Cheerful Givers

Nonprofit Issues:

Human Services

Address:

1287 Berry Ridge Road EaganMN55123USA

Mission:

We believe birthday celebrations instill self-esteem and strengthen family bonds. We empower economically disadvantaged families by offering toy-filled gift bags as a means of celebrating their child''s birthday.

Results:

Since we began in 1994, we have provided toy-filled birthday gift bags to more than 900,000 less fortunate children, but the need to do more is great!

Target demographics:

We serve economically disadvantaged children between the ages of 3-12.

Direct beneficiaries per year:

179,000 children received birthday bags in 2014

Programs:

We address an unmet need which allows economically disadvantaged parents a way to recognize their child's birthday with a gift. Toy-filled birthday gift bags are assembled by thousands of volunteers (including teens with disabilities and the elderly) and are distributed at shelters and food shelves so that less fortunate parents can give their child a birthday gift.

Photos

3 hours of volunteer time for this nonprofit will...

Purchase a variety of small new toys and gift bags, assemble them into the birthday bags and donate them to a shelter or food shelf in their own community. Then contact karen@cheerfulgivers.org to let us know how many bags were filled and where they were donated.

3 hours of volunteer time for this nonprofit will...

Purchase a variety of small new toys and gift bags, assemble them into the birthday bags and donate them to a shelter or food shelf in their own community. Then contact karen@cheerfulgivers.org to let us know how many bags were filled and where they were donated.

Reviews for Cheerful Givers

Cheerful Givers not only makes a difference for those who are the recipients of the "Birthday Bags", but also those individuals and groups that give of their time and energy in putting together these special bags. I have
been impressed with how Cheerful Givers has invited individuals with special-needs to participate in filling
the Birthday Bags (usually as part of their school program and/or job training). For many of these individuals, filling the Birthday Bags is their first success in learning important job skills - and life skills as well. I have watched my young adult son, who has Autism, develop self-confidence and self-determination by taking on the responsibility of organizing and filling the Birthday Bags. He absolutely loves Cheerful Givers and is so proud of being a part of helping others. With great enthusiasm my son will say to me "Cheerful Givers is
Jordan's job!" His involvement in Cheerful Givers has given him a real sense of accomplishment and has provided important job skills. Cheerful Givers touches the lives of both those who receive and those who participate as the Giver. As my son likes to say, "I love Cheerful Givers!" And his mom does too...!

This is one of the great grassroots non-profits. When I think about what it means to roll-up your sleeves and serve a need that moves you, founder Robin provides this inspiration to all. Cheerful Givers serves one of the many support systems needed to provide families a pathway to growth by experiencing and participating in one of our most basic forms of generosity, gift-giving. It's easy to explain and involve my whole family including my 4 and 2 year old children. I'm proud to be a board member for this great organization!

Cheerful Givers offers birthday gifts from the heart … to the heart
As a Cheerful Givers volunteer and Board member for several years, I have been touched by the generous contributions of children and adults as they share time and treasure to provide birthday bags for children in our community who are less fortunate. Cheerful Givers is a unique organization that offers each of us the opportunity to bring a smile to the heart of a child. In fact, Cheerful Givers brought smiles and the joy of being “remembered” to over 179,000 Minnesota children in 2014 and will meet or exceed that goal this year. New volunteers are most welcome and donations are essential. There is a tangible excitement as students, employees, and community groups begin the process of assembling from 50 to 3,000 birthday bags at a single event, with books and toys, knowing that each gift bag will lift the spirits of a child. Parents who receive the birthday bags through food shelves or shelters often have tears of gratitude for the chance to surprise their child with a real gift. Children who receive the birthday bags from their family are reminded that they matter. What an honor it has been to participate in giving a birthday bag from my heart … to the heart of a parent … knowing it will touch the heart of their child.

Cheerful Givers has been a big part my life now for almost 10 years! I have worked at different levels for the non profit. I have been on the Board of directors for 4-5 years. I was on an advisory board for about 3 years since I work for a large corporation. I have made hundreds of birthday bags in my work place. I have done a Volunteer expo on the behalf of Cheerful Givers to round up volunteers for at least 4-5 years. Cheerful givers is an awesome organization to work with as a volunteer you can be very flexible doing as many or little amount of volunteer hours you would like. Not to mention the organization as a whole to make it possible for parents in proverty the ability to celebrate their childs life. a very important thing, as we are all important! Right now there are kids that do not know that, since mom & dad are not able to do do so. is a very sad fact, each kid should know they are important!!

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
May 9, 201405/09/2014

1 person found this review helpful

I have been with Cheerful Givers for over 10 years. my experience starts like this. I work at Ecolab & we had one bag making event. I had not heard of anymore so I contacted our community giving folks. They asked if I would like to lead the group to do more events. I said yes. Doing that for six months or so I was asked by Cheerful Givers to participate in an advisory group for corp groups. we discussed how each of us did things, shared ideas on new ways etc. I was with that group for I am not sure how long then was invited to be a board member. I agreed to join the board & was voted in. Was a fun experience I learned alot about being on a board & was able to add my point of view. I was a single mom & had used oportunities like Cheerful Givers for my daughter. I did have to leave the board due to a family event that came up, but I still am involved, some at work & pick up toys monthly to go to the sponsored group CG's has. I also do many volunteer events like the Volunteer Expo each year at the MOA & the yearly MN Birthday party again at the MOA. I like CG's as it is a flexible organization you can volunteer as much or little you are able to. Cheerful Givers may not save lives, but can change the world "One child at a time!" Take the time & check it out you can not go wrong! There are many kids who do not know they have a birthday, due to their parents not being able to help celebrate that day. Each of us should be acknowledged on our Birthday! It makes us unique & special! Again check out Cheerful Givers!!

Would you volunteer for this group again?

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2014

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
May 12, 201205/12/2012

1 person found this review helpful

If you are looking for a very flexible non profit to volunteer for, Cheerful Givers is the one! I have been involved with the organization for roughly 8-9 years. I have been involved with various aspects of the organization from Board memeber for roughly 3 years, I make bags at my work place, I go to the volunteer Expo at the MOA to promote Cheerful Givers annually. To mention a few things. Take the time to think of not so fun or bad Birthday or having no party as a kid. Imagine now not beeing even acknowledged on your birthday! that is why I am part of Cheerful Givers. I know the bags we make go to parents to give their child (plus) Child is acknowledged on his/her Birthday (plus). I know & feel good about making the bag & contributing (plus). there is no way to go wroing!!

Would you volunteer for this group again?

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2012

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
June 4, 201006/04/2010

11 people found this review helpful

We started our group at my work place over 7 years ago. We have continued to make Birthday Bags quarterly, now. All of my co-workers who participate love to do it! they feel is a good way to volunteer & help kids & families too! It does not take much time & we have a great time.
As one of the folks that makes bags said "we can change the world one child at a time!" I fully agree.
Thank you for reading these I hope you will donate or volunteer for Cheerful Givers.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Cheerful Givers is reaching more hearts than ever! With almost 1 million happy birthdays to-date, Cheerful Givers is serving more communities in need. We're pushing harder than ever. Food shelves and homeless shelters continue to seek birthday gifts for children and families. Therefore, we need your help to meet these needs. Thanks to everyone who's reached out to Cheerful Givers!

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
May 9, 201405/09/2014

1 person found this review helpful

I've enjoyed every minute on the board. Always moving forward and looking for new opportunities and partnerships to spread the message. I've really come to realize that the gift of self-esteem is priceless. Who can deny giving birthday gifts to parents and children in need?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Cheerful Givers is a wonderful organization focused on building children's self esteem and strengthening families. Everyone wants and has a right to feel special!

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
May 11, 201205/11/2012

1 person found this review helpful

Even as an adult, I still enjoy my special day! So, when I read about Cheerful Givers and considered the children who may not feel "special" on their special day, I felt like I had to get involved. Over the past year and a half I have become involved personally as well as assisting my company in their involvement. Everyone has a great time filling birthday bags and the more we fill, the more we want to fill!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I discovered Cheerful Givers in 2009 and there has been no looking back for me since then. I remember as a child in India, from the age of 1 till I was 14, my mother always celebrated my birthday every year by organizing a birthday party, inviting family members and close friends from around the neighborhood, playing games and having fun. I still recollect the joy on my face when I received birthday presents from my friends and family.

In India, I never heard of such an organization like Cheerful Givers since it is is unique and special for kids who don't get to celebrate their birthdays. Cheerful Givers helps parents living in poverty give their child a gift on their birthday and bringing a smile on their innocent little faces.

I believe in the cause of Cheerful Givers by lending my support in whatever manner possible and proud to be their Volunteer Manager for almost 6 years. Thank you Cheerful Givers ! You are definitely the BEST! There are so many virtual opportunities so please get involved with them today, and you will be so glad that you did!

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
October 9, 201010/09/2010

first discovered Cheerful Givers 11 months ago on Volunteer Match. Almost instantly, I was drawn to the unique mission of Cheerful Givers. I jumped on the opportunity to “blend technology with altruism… to be able to touch the lives of thousands of people.” “Helping people, even if I may not get to meet them, gives me the mental satisfaction of knowing that I am making a difference in their life, even if in a small way, while working from my home.
Since Nov 2009 I have been volunteering in the role of a virtual Volunteer Manager. I was very happy to find something to my satisfaction. The best part was I could work from home where a computer and internet connection were the only requirements. I am mentally happy since I started volunteering with Cheerful Givers because I interact with several volunteers daily & it keeps me occupied since I am a home-maker. So this was a perfect opportunity for me to help Cheerful Givers in a virtual role.
The best part of this organization is, even though it is located in Minnesota, anybody can volunteer from any part of the country by being a part of Cheerful Givers. This is a great organization to volunteer with and am sure you will enjoy helping Cheerful Givers just for a day.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

my life in many ways. I have become more confident, fearless in writing which was one of my weak points, contribution of certain data from my end makes its way into the monthly newsletter and annual report, gaining knowledge and so on.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

hope Cheerful Givers was located in CA so I could participate on certain occasions in the activities of Cheerful Givers like the big birthday event that happens every year in March or fund-raisers or toy drives and so on.

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?

Hold an event in SFO, CA and I could be in charge of that event. That would improve my leadership quality.

Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)

Confidence, overall perspective to life, importance of poverty, simple living, a good leader, a good persuader, creative in my other hobbies like cooking and exercising, good speaker, and so on.

Cheerful Givers is one of the best charities for children and families. As a parent we all know that our children love to get special birthday presents. Yet for many Americans just barely making ends meet, it is sometimes just a plain old luxury to have a gift for your child on their birthday. With this a reality for so many families today, Cheerful Givers is an excellent alternative for a needy child and family. More people should get involved with this awesome charity, they are definitely angels! Not only do they bring smiles to children but parents as well. They help to draw American families back to wholesomeness and pure love! I really enjoy attending to my volunteer duties with Cheerful Givers, they have made a difference in so many lives including my own! Thank you Cheerful Givers you guys are definitely the BEST! Volunteer opportunities consist of virtual volunteers and so much more! Get involved with them today, you will be so happy that you did!

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
May 8, 201405/08/2014

1 person found this review helpful

Cheerful Givers is one of the most down to earth charities that I have ever volunteered with. The staff are over and above nice and they are always available to chat or give advice for future promotions. Cheerful Givers is the best place to volunteer for, no matter what the others tell you, they obviously can not compete with Cheerful Givers. Why? Because Cheerful Givers is for children right here in America that are struggling to have a happy birthday. Children that may be living in a domestic violence shelter or children that may be dependent upon a food bank to eat every month. These kids need us more than anything and by giving just a small amount of time weekly or monthly you can help children in poverty have a chance at having a real birthday present on their birthday. Not only that but you can even have your very own birthday blitz and pick out the items that you are interested in donating to children. You can get your place of business involved and each person can do something to help. This is what Cheerful Givers is all about, the Kids! I am so glad that I found them!

Was this review helpful?

Share this review:

1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
August 28, 201308/28/2013

As a homeschooling mother with tons of responsibilities at home, Cheerful Givers is often times something exciting in our family. We can help children at the same time giving us a chance to have fun! Cheerful Givers opens the opportunities for our family to personally give our time and become responsible individuals. My children love to help raise money for a birthday blitz as well as have the party and give from their hearts! There is so much that Cheerful Givers makes possible, and we are so thankful for this absolutely awesome charity!!!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I have now virtually volunteered for two years for cheerfulgivers.org as a Donations Researcher Assistant and I am so happy I found this non-profit. Thanks to Karen and so many volunteers, this is the most organized place I have ever volunteered at! Plus I am making a difference in so many children's and parents lives.

Finally, what I like is Karen actually Thanks You for e-mailing lists of websites to her, and she appreciates her volunteers, and you get featured in a newsletter and so much more.

I've been a volunteer for Cheerful Givers for 3 years. Their mission is so simple, yet has so much impact. They are truly touching the lives of children in need, whose families aren't able to give them gifts on their birthdays. I love that Cheerful Givers supports these families by helping parents give their children happy memories on their special day. This small act of giving means so much to children living in shelters, and it can make such a positive influence on their self-esteem. I'm so happy that I found Cheerful Givers, a nonprofit with an humble mission that touches lives every day.